Phillipe Danault Shines in Canadiens’ 6-3 Victory Over Sabres

In an electrifying matchup, the Montreal Canadiens secured a 6-3 victory against the Buffalo Sabres, showcasing a multitude of standout performances. Among the notable contributors were Jakub Dobes, who rebounded impressively after a rocky start, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, each racking up three points, and Cole Caufield, who netted a goal at even strength. However, one performance that may have flown under the radar was that of Phillipe Danault.

While some fans may have cringed at a missed scoring opportunity when Danault found himself in the slot, he quickly redeemed himself. The Quebec native not only provided two assists on Montreal’s first three goals but also excelled in the faceoff circle, an area where he has consistently made his mark. Danault led the Canadiens with 18 faceoff draws, winning 14 for an impressive success rate of 77.8%.

When Kent Hughes acquired Danault from the Los Angeles Kings prior to the Christmas roster freeze, the intention wasn’t merely to boost offensive output. Hughes understood the significance of securing puck possession through faceoffs, a strategy that has paid off handsomely. In the previous two victories over the Sabres, Danault’s faceoff success rate stood at an impressive 66.7%, taking 15 draws in the Canadiens’ 5-1 win in Game 2 and nine in their 6-2 victory in Game 3.

As the series progressed, Danault’s faceoff performance has been nothing short of stellar, recording a 13-2 record (87%) in his draws so far. His defensive matchups against the Sabres’ top line, featuring Thompson, Tuch, and Krebs, have also highlighted his importance on the ice. According to the stats, Danault led the Habs with 10 shots while contributing a goal and posting an xGF of 83.8%. He has truly embodied the role of a shutdown center reminiscent of his standout performances in 2021.

Danault has been a pivotal player for the Canadiens throughout the first two rounds of the playoffs. After 12 games, he averages 16:13 minutes of ice time, boasts a faceoff win percentage of 61.9%, has accumulated five points (all assists), and carries a plus-six rating, all while contributing significantly to the penalty kill.

When the Canadiens find themselves in a position to protect a lead, head coach Martin St-Louis often trusts the veteran center alongside Nick Suzuki, allowing for a strategic advantage in faceoffs. This dual-center approach ensures that if one player is kicked out, the other can step in seamlessly. Danault’s acquisition has proven to be a masterstroke, providing value far exceeding the second-round pick he cost.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.